Drinkware holder

ABSTRACT

A holder for drinkware, the drinkware having at least a bowl and a foot, is described. In a first embodiment, the holder comprises a wall, the wall having a top end and a bottom end, a cap on the bottom end, and a cap on the top end, the wall and the caps each having at least one perforation. In another embodiment, the holder comprises a frame forming a wall, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers, the wall forming a space, the fingers each having a top end and a bottom end, a base component comprising a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into the opening, the base component configured to hold the bottom ends of the fingers; and a top component comprising a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axial element, an aperture in the axial element, and a slit through the axial element to the aperture, the arms comprising bores at their distal tips opposite the axial element, each of the bores configured to hold the top end of a one of the fingers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a holder for drinkware. The invention relates in particular to a holder for stemware, and more particularly to a holder for glass stemware. The invention will be described as used for glass stemware. The invention is not limited thereby, however, but can also be used for standard drinkware such as beakers, steins, cups, mugs, and similar drinkware, as well as for specialized drinkware, including, for example, ochokos. Additionally, the invention can be used for drinkware made of other materials, such as other ceramics, metals, or plastics.

A representative item of stemware 20 is shown in FIG. 1. The shape of stemware 20 depends on whether the end use is for white wine, red wine, champagne, cordials, beer, or another beverage. In general, however, stemware 20 has a bowl 22, a stem 24, and a foot 26. (Some drinkware has a bowl and a foot but no stem.) Stemware 20 is commonly made of glass but can be made of other materials. High-quality stemware 20 is often made of leaded crystal.

The use of dishwashing machines presents a tremendous reduction in the time and effort required for kitchen clean up. Dishwashing machines also contribute to public health by sterilizing dishes, cookware, utensils, and drinkware. The use of spot-free detergent additives, such as nonionic surfactants, makes the use of a dishwashing machine particularly desirable for stemware. Because of the elongated shape of most stemware, however, standard dishwashing racks do not have the appropriate holders for stemware. It is difficult, then, to secure stemware at the proper angle within a dishwashing machine for effective cleaning and rinsing. Inadvertent movement of stemware within a dishwashing machine can lead to inadequate cleaning and to breakage. The somewhat fragile nature of some stemware, especially some fine crystal stemware, also leads to chipping and breakage during the process of placing the stemware in the dishwashing machine or during removal from the dishwashing machine.

The somewhat fragile nature of some stemware also requires great care in storing or transporting it. Items of stemware are commonly wrapped individually for storage or transportation, a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Holders have been developed in the art to hold stemware securely within a dishwashing machine. One type of device, as described in, for example, United States Published Patent Application No. 2006/0138064 A1 to Crudgington, Jr., Stemware Saver for Dishwasher, clamps onto the stem 24 to suspend stemware 20 within the dishwashing machine. These types of devices, however, can still result in breakage if vibration causes a piece of stemware to contact an adjacent piece during the dishwashing process, and can result in breakage during the insertion or removal process. Moreover, this type of device has no use in transportation or storage of stemware.

Another type of holder envelopes a plurality of stemware, as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,167 to Finbow, Holder for Stemmed Drinking Vessels. This device is unsatisfactory for use in a dishwashing machine, however, because some of the stemware will not be oriented in the proper direction for washing and rinsing.

A need exists for a holder for drinkware for use in a dishwashing machine, as well as for use in storage or transportation, that avoids the problems of the prior art or at least gives consumers a useful choice. The present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a holder for drinkware, the drinkware having a bowl and a foot. In a first embodiment, the holder comprises a wall, the wall having a top end and a bottom end, a cap on the bottom end, and a cap on the top end, the wall and the caps each having at least one perforation, In another embodiment, the holder comprises a frame forming a wall, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers, the wall forming a space, the fingers each having a top end and a bottom end, a base component comprising a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into the opening, the base component configured to hold the bottom ends of the fingers; and a top component comprising a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axial element, an aperture in the axial element, and a slit through the axial element to the aperture, the arms comprising bores at their distal tips opposite the axial element, each of the bores configured to hold the top end of a one of the fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying non-scale drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an item of drinkware as used in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective, exploded view of the holder of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an end cap of the holder of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the end cap of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2D is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the wall and end cap of another embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2E through 2L are elevation views of embodiments of the holder of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a bottom end cap of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of one embodiment of the bottom end cap of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the bottom end cap of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is a plan view of another embodiment of the bottom end cap of the invention.

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bottom end cap of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of another embodiment of the bottom end cap of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the bottom end cap of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an elevation view of the bottom end cap of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 4D through 4N are plan views of embodiments of the top end cap of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a diaphragm used as a second end cap of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the diaphragm of FIG. 5A, showing how to grasp and compress the diaphragm.

FIG. 5C is an elevation view of the diaphragm of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a diagrammatic view of the diaphragm of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm of FIG. 5A,

FIGS. 6A through 6D are elevation views of another embodiment of the holder of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A through 7D are elevation views of another embodiment of the holder of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A through 8D are elevation views of another embodiment of the holder of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A through 9C are perspective views of a wire cage used in certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A through 10C are perspective views of an embodiment of the holder of the present invention using a wire cage as shown in FIGS. 9C through 9C.

FIGS. 11A through 11C are perspective views of another embodiment of the holder of the present invention using a wire cage as shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a base component of FIGS. 10A through 10C.

FIG. 12B is a perspective views of a top component of FIGS. 10A through 11C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C. Holder 30 has a wall 32 and a pair of end caps 34. Wall 32 is preferably generally in the shape of a cylinder, having a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, wall 32 has other cross-sectional configurations, such as polygonal. Wall 32 has a top end 36 and a bottom end 38. Top end has three scallops 40 forming three points 42. Wall 32 is preferably made of stainless steel, brushed aluminum, plastic, or other material that can withstand high temperature and soapy, hot water that will be encountered in a dishwasher. Preferably, the inner periphery 44 of wall 32 is covered with plastic, such as urethane, for cushioning.

End caps 34 are preferably made of a flexible material, such as silicone rubber, preferably low-durometer rubber. End caps 34 are alternatively made of metal, such as 16-gauge or 18-gauge aluminum, or are made of metal coated with an elastomer. In yet other configurations, end caps 34 are made of hard plastic.

Each end cap 34 has an outer wall 50 and a plurality of spokes 52 radiating from the center 54 to outer wall 50, as shown in FIG. 2B. Preferably, end cap 34 has three spokes 52, but in other embodiments, end cap 34 has a different number of spokes 52. In the preferred embodiment, spokes 52 of end cap 34 curve upward toward center 54.

Wall 32 preferably connects to a first end cap 34 by a plurality of slotted apertures 56, which lock to spokes 52 in bayonet-fashion, as shown in FIG. 2D. Accordingly, there are preferably the same number of apertures 56 as there are spokes 52.

End cap 34 preferably has a lip 58 on its inner periphery 60, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 2C. Wall 32 connects to a second end cap 34 by an interference fit between points 42 and inner periphery 60. In another embodiment, wall 32 has tabs 57 that insert into slots 61.

When an item of stemware 20 is placed in holder 30 and held therein by two end caps 34, spokes 52 push inwardly on stemware 20 to hold stemware securely within holder 30.

Other configurations of the stemware holder of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2F through 2L. In general, holder 130 has a wall 132 and a sole end cap, two identical end caps, or two different end caps, as will be described.

Wall element 132 is preferably in the shape of a cylinder, having a circular cross-section, a top end 162, and a bottom end 138, as shown in perspective, diagrammatic view in FIG. 2E. In other embodiments, wall 132 has other cross-sectional configurations, such as polygonal. Wall 132 has perforations 133 to allow the movement of wash water and rinse water therethrough, as shown in various configurations in FIGS. 2F through 2L. Perforations 133 in wall 132 must be at least large enough to allow droplets of water to pass through and can be quite large, as in, for example, FIGS. 2I, 2K, and 2L. The perforations can extend to the top and bottom of wall 132, and need not be completed contained within wall 132, as shown in, for example, FIG. 2I. Wall 132 is preferably made of metal, such as 16-gauge or 18-gauge aluminum, in order to be dishwasher safe. In other embodiments, wall 132 is made of plastic-coated metal, of plastic, or of other dishwasher-safe material.

Bottom end cap 134 is preferably identical to end cap 34 shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D. Bottom end cap 134 in a first embodiment is securely fastened to bottom end 138 of wall 132 by weld, glue, fastener, or other means of attachment. In another embodiment, bottom end cap 134 is removably attachable to wall 132. Bottom end cap 134 in the removable embodiments attaches by slotted apertures 56, as was described in connection with end cap 34 and illustrated in FIG. 2D, or by threads, bayonet clips, interference fit, pins, or other means of attachment,

Bottom end cap 134 is perforated to allow the passage of water therethrough. The perforations in bottom end cap 134 must be at least large enough to allow droplets of water to pass through, but not large enough to allow a portion of stemware 20 to pass therethrough.

In one embodiment, bottom end cap 134 has an outer wall 140 and a plurality of spokes 142 radiating from the center 144 to outer wall 140, as shown in diagrammatic plan view in FIG. 3A. Bottom end cap 134 preferably has eight spokes 142, as shown in FIGS. 3A, but in other embodiments, bottom end cap 134 has a different number of spokes 142. In another embodiment, spokes 142 radiate inwardly from outer wall 140 but do not meet at center 144, as shown in FIG. 3E. Outer wall 140 and spokes 142 define hole 146 to allow the passage of water. In yet other embodiments, bottom end cap 134 has a plurality of holes 146 therethrough, as shown in FIG. 3D.

In some embodiments, bottom end cap 134 has a second, inner circumferential wall 148 between outer wall 140 and center 144, as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4C. The holes 146 formed by outer wall 140, inner circumferential wall 148, and spokes 142 allow the passage of water therethrough.

In a preferred embodiment, spokes 142 of bottom end cap 134 curve upward toward the center 144 to receive stemware 20, as shown in elevation view in FIG. 3B. The arcuate shape of spokes 142 center bowl 22 of stemware 20 on bottom end cap 134. Since spokes 142 are preferably rubber-coated metal, bowl 22 is cushioned and stemware 20 is less likely to break.

In another embodiment, bottom end cap 134 has two portions, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 3C. Structure portion 152 is preferably made of 16-gauge or 18-gauge metal, most preferably aluminum or plastic-coated metal. Receiving portion 154, arcing upwards from the circumference of bottom end cap 134 towards center 142, is made of a compressible elastomer. When bowl 22 is pressed onto spokes 142 in this embodiment, receiving portion 154 of each spoke 142 compresses and then exerts a force to hold bowl 22 in place, or at least to apply a force on stemware 20 in the direction of foot 26.

When a first end cap, such as bottom end cap 134, is fastened to bottom end 138 of wall 132, a chamber 156 is formed within wall 132. Stemware 20 is placed within chamber 156. Holder 130 can be used in this configuration for washing, storage, or transportation of stemware 20.

In another embodiment, a top end cap 136 is removably attached on top end 162 of wall 132, more securely to hold stemware 20 within chamber 156. In one embodiment, top end cap 136 is identical to end cap 34 or end cap 134. When stemware 20 is placed within chamber 156, application of top end cap 136 to wall 132 causes contact between top end cap 136 and foot 26 of stemware 20, pushing bowl 22 against bottom end cap 134. Stemware 20 is then tightly secured within holder 130. Holder 130 can be stored or transported with slight chance of damage to stemware 20. Holder 130 can also be placed in a dishwashing machine. Water can enter holder 130 through perforations 133 in wall 132 and through holes 146 in top end cap 136 and bottom end cap 134.

In one embodiment of holder 130, only one of top end cap 136 and bottom end cap 134 has extended spokes 142 with receiving portions 154 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C and accompanying text. In another embodiment, both top end cap 136 and bottom end cap 134 of holder 130 have receiving portions 154.

In other embodiments of holder 130, top end cap 136 in is made of a flexible material, such as silicone rubber, preferably low-durometer rubber. For instances in which foot 26 of stemware 20 is at or slightly above second end 162 of wall 132, application of top end cap 136 to top end cap 136 applies a slight force, due to stretching and compression of the silicone rubber, onto foot 26 and thereby securing stemware 20 in place in chamber 156. Other embodiments of top end cap 136 are shown in FIGS. 4D through 4N. FIGS. 4D through 4L show different styles of spokes 142. FIGS. 4M and 4N show embodiments without spokes.

Another type of end cap is shown in FIGS. 5A through 5E. In this embodiment, top end cap 136 is replaced by diaphragm 170. Diaphragm 170 is preferably made of an outer circumferential ring 172, an inner circumferential ring 174, and a plurality of spokes 176. Rings 172, 174 and spokes 176 form holes 178 through which water can pass. Ring 172 has an outer circumference forming an interference fit with the inner circumference of wall 132. In the preferred embodiment, rings 172, 174 are made of a low durometer elastomer and spokes 176 are made of a high durometer elastomer.

In one embodiment, a bottom end cap 34 or 134, as described above, is placed on bottom end 138 of wall 132. A user places stemware 20 within chamber 156 and grasps diaphragm 170, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, in which the letters F represent fingers and the letter T represents a thumb, and squeezes to compress diaphragm 170, radially inwards as shown by the direction arrows of FIG. 5B. The compressed device is then placed within chamber 156 at top end 162 and moved downward until diaphragm 170 contacts foot 26 of stemware 20 within chamber 156. Releasing diaphragm 170 causes ring 172 to expand outwardly, contacting wall 132, forming an interference fit with wall 132, and securing diaphragm 170 from any further movement within chamber 156 and thereby securing stemware 20 within chamber 156. Please note that diaphragm 170 is shown as circular, to match the preferred embodiment of wall 132. In embodiments in which wall 132 has a different cross-sectional shape, such as octagonal, for example, diaphragm 170 is configured in an octagonal shape as well.

In yet another embodiment, a pair of diaphragms 170 is used at top end 162 and bottom end 138 to hold stemware 20 within chamber 156.

Yet another embodiment of top end cap 136 is shown in FIGS. 6A through 6D. In this embodiment, top end cap 136 is an expandable accordion, having a plurality of circumferential pleats 182 as well as a plurality of holes 184. In this embodiment, bottom end cap 34 or 134 is secured to wall 132 as described above. The user then applies top cap 134 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6B, forcing pleats 182 against stemware 20 to secure stemware 20 within chamber 156. Top cap 134 attaches to wall 132 by any of the methods described above, preferably by threads.

In one embodiment, pleats 182 are biased normally to be in an extended position. Placement of top end cap 136 on wall 132 causes pleats 182 to fold and to apply pressure on foot 26. In another embodiment, pleats 182 are biased normally to be in a retracted position. When a user places top end cap 136 on wall 132, the user pushes pleats 182 to an extended position into chamber 156, causing pleats 182 to apply pressure on foot 26, to hold top end cap 136 in place and secure stemware 20 within chamber 156, as shown in partial cut-away in FIG. 6E.

Yet another embodiment of top end cap 136 is shown in FIGS. 7A through 7D. In this embodiment, top end cap 136 has an outer circumference forming an interference fit with the inside of wall 132. A plurality of flexible tongues 192 extend from wall 190. Each tongue 192 has a flange 194 projecting outwardly and mating with a corresponding slot 196 in wall 132. A user can grasp top end cap 136 by holding two or more of flanges 194 and squeezing inwards slightly, and inserting top end cap 136 into wall 132 by aligning flanges 194 with slots 196. The user can insert top end cap 136 until it contacts foot 26, and then release flanges 194 to hold top end cap 136 in place and secure stemware 20 within chamber 156, as shown in partial cut-away in FIG. 7D.

Yet another embodiment of top end cap 136 is shown in FIGS. 8A through 8D. In this embodiment, top end cap 136 has a slit 206 for receiving stem 24 of stemware 20. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8C, in which wall 132 has been removed for clarity of illustration, top end cap 136 slides onto stem 24 and then can be pulled upward, to protect foot 26. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 8D, foot 26 protrudes from top end cap 136.

In certain other embodiments of the present invention, the wall of the holder is made of fingers that allow water to pass between them. In one embodiment, the fingers are made of wire, as shown in FIGS. 9A through 9C. A wire frame forms a cylinder through which wash water and rinse water can easily pass.

The wire frame can take various configurations. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, wire frame 220 is made of six U-shaped elements 222, preferably made of 0.125-gauge steel wire, welded to three frame elements 224, preferably made of 0.250-gauge steel wire. Frame elements 224 are preferably circular, but can be other shapes as well. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9B, wire frame 220 is made of six U-shaped elements 226, each having a pair of foot elements 228 protruding axially inward, each foot element 228 being connected to an adjacent foot element 228 by a connection element 230.

Wire frame 220 is made of stainless steel or aluminum to withstand a wet environment. In another embodiment, wire frame 220 is coated to provide a cushion for holding stemware. Preferably, wire frame 220 or a portion thereof is dipped in urethane, as shown in FIG. 9C. Other cushioning means can be used, such as coating wire frame 220 with other materials such as latex or polyethylene.

Wire frame 220 of FIG. 9A is shown incorporated into holder 232 in FIGS. 10A through 10C. Holder 232 accommodates wire frame 220 as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C as well. In the illustrated embodiment, holder 232 comprises a base component 234 and a top component 236. As shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, wire frame 220 is not coated, but in other embodiments, wire frame 220 is coated as explained above.

Wire frame 220 of FIG. 9C is shown incorporated into holder 240 in FIGS. 11A through 11C. Holder 240 accommodates wire frame 220 as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C as well. In this embodiment, holder 240 comprises base component 234 and top component 236. As shown in FIGS. 11A through 11C, wire frame 220 is coated, but in other embodiments, wire frame 220 is not coated as explained above.

Base component 234 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 12A. Base component 234 is preferably made of a flexible material, most preferably urethane. Base component 234 has a circumferential wall 242, holding preferably three spokes 244, 246, and 248. Other numbers of spokes are used in other embodiments. Spokes 244, 246, 248 curve gently upwards from wall 242 inward to axis 250, where all three spokes 244, 246, 248 meet. Bowl 22 of drinkware 20 rests on spokes 244, 246, 248. The arcuate curve of spokes 244, 246, 248 centers bowl 22 within holder 232, as shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, or within holder 240, as shown in FIGS. 11A through 11C. The arcuate curve of spokes 244, 246, 248 also helps cushion drinkware 20 to avoid breakage.

Top component 236 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 12B. Top component 236 preferably has three arms 254, 256, 258, but in other embodiments other numbers of arms are used. Each arm 254, 256, 258 radiates outward from axis 260. At the distal tip 262 of each arm 254, 256, 258 is a bore 264. Bore 264 is configured to have approximately the same width of U-shaped elements 222 or 236. At axis 260 is a slit 266 leading to aperture 268. Fins 270 project into aperture 268.

To use holder 232 or 240, wire frame 220 is secured into base component 234. Drinkware 20 is placed within wire frame 220, with bowl 22 resting on spokes 244, 246, 248 of base component 234. Top component 236 is fastened to drinkware 20 by sliding stem 24 through slit 266, so that stem 24 rests within aperture 268, Fins 270 will create resistance to stem 24 sliding within aperture 268. Top component 236 is then slid downward, along stem 24, until arms 254, 256, 258 meet wire frame 220. Three U-shaped elements 222 or 226 are inserted into bores 264.

Top component 236 is preferably made of a flexible material, most preferably urethane. Accordingly, bores 264 will tend to hold U-shaped elements 226 tightly. This tendency, along with fins 270, will hold top component into place and keep drinkware 20 securely within holder 232 or 240.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A drinkware holder comprising: a wall, said wall having a top end and a bottom end, said wall forming a space; a cap on said bottom end and a cap on said top end, said wall and said caps each having at least one perforation.
 2. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said wall comprises a plurality of fingers, said fingers each having a top end and a bottom end, said cap on said bottom end comprises a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into said opening, said base component configured to hold said bottom ends of said fingers; and said cap on said top end comprises a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axial element, an aperture in said axial element, and a slit through said axial element to said aperture, said arms comprising bores at their distal tips opposite said axial element, each of said bores configured to hold said top end of a one of said fingers.
 3. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said fingers comprise wire.
 4. The drinkware holder of claim 3, wherein said wire is coated.
 5. The drinkware holder of claim 3, wherein said fingers comprise U-shaped elements.
 6. The drinkware holder of claim 3, wherein said fingers are connected by foot elements at said bottom end.
 7. The drinkware holder of claim 3, further comprising framing elements connecting said fingers.
 8. The drinkware holder of claim 2, wherein said top component comprises silicone rubber.
 9. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of said caps comprises a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into said opening.
 10. The drinkware holder of claim 9, wherein said spokes are arcuate.
 11. The drinkware holder of claim 9, wherein said spokes are compressible.
 12. The drinkware holder of claim 9, wherein said wall comprises slotted apertures configured to hold said spokes.
 13. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said wall comprises tabs configured to fit into slots in at least one of said caps.
 14. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said frame forms an interference fit with at least one of said caps.
 15. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said space is cylindrical.
 16. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein said perforations in said wall are scallops.
 17. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of said caps comprises a plurality of flexible tongues extending from said cap, each said tongue having a flange, each said flange configured to mate with a corresponding slot in said wall.
 18. The drinkware holder of claim 1, wherein at least one of said caps comprises pleats.
 19. The drinkware holder of claim 18, wherein said pleats are biased to be normally extended.
 20. The drinkware holder of claim 18, wherein said pleats are biased to be normally retracted. 